Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado declared on Tuesday that the political shift in Venezuela is on the horizon and urged citizens to remain resilient to "complete the mission." Her message was broadcast in honor of the second anniversary of the July 28, 2024, presidential elections, as reported by the EFE agency.
The video message was displayed during a rally organized by her party, Vente Venezuela (VV), in Caracas. This marked the first event hosted by the political group in the nation's capital in 2026.
"We now know what must be done: complete the mission. On July 28, 2024, we gave ourselves a mandate, and we will fulfill it. Rise up, Venezuela. The transition is coming, and it's by the people, for the people, and with our own hands," declared Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.
Opposition Faces Repression
The leader described the 2024 elections as "the greatest electoral victory" in Venezuela's history, calling it a "moral and existential triumph." She accused the Chavism regime of responding with severe repression over the following two years.
"They pursued, tortured, humiliated, and murdered," Machado denounced, referring to the treatment faced by opposition leaders and supporters.
Government's Response to Earthquakes Criticized
During her address, Machado also criticized the administration of Delcy Rodríguez over its handling of the catastrophic earthquakes on June 24, 2026. According to EFE, these disasters resulted in over 5,500 deaths.
"In the face of the earthquake disaster, it was the people saving the people," she stated, contrasting citizen solidarity with what she described as a "total lack of humanity and compassion" from the government.
Meanwhile, hundreds of opposition supporters gathered in the Libertador municipality of Caracas, with participants also coming from the state of Miranda. The rally resonated with chants like: "Maria Corina, come, your people are here" and "Set the date, we’ll provide the votes."
Vente Venezuela Calls for Elections and Political Prisoner Freedoms
Henry Alviárez, National Coordinator of Organization for Vente Venezuela, emphasized that any transition process must involve the call for free elections and the release of political prisoners.
"There will be no transformation until these people are out of power, but we cannot speak of democracy if political prisoners still exist," he stated.
Alviárez also expressed confidence in the role of the United States as a facilitator in the ongoing dialogue process.
Machado Supports Dialogue with Conditions
Maria Corina Machado has been outside of Venezuela since December 2025, when she traveled to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Following the earthquakes, she vowed to return to the country, but accused Delcy Rodríguez's government of closing the airspace to block her return. Last Sunday, she reiterated her intention to come back.
On the same day, Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia released a statement conditionally supporting dialogue between the Chavism regime and a faction of the opposition led by former deputy Dinorah Figuera.
They clarified that they were not involved in the "design, construction, and operation" of that negotiation, although they stated they would not obstruct any initiative that yields genuine progress.
Conditions for the dialogue include the release of all political prisoners, restoration of democratic institutions, and the establishment of a timeline for presidential elections.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, confirmed on July 20 the formal start of the transition process, with initial discussions scheduled for the first week of August. Negotiations between Chavism representatives, led by Jorge Rodríguez, and the opposition delegation headed by Dinorah Figuera are set to commence next Saturday, aiming for a "peaceful and democratic electoral transition."
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Transition
What is Maria Corina Machado's role in Venezuela's transition?
Maria Corina Machado is a leading opposition figure advocating for a political transition in Venezuela. She emphasizes the need for citizen involvement and has set conditions for dialogue with the government.
How did the government respond to the 2024 elections according to Machado?
Machado accuses the government of severe repression, including persecution, torture, and even murder of opposition figures and supporters, following the 2024 elections.
What are the conditions set by Machado for the dialogue process?
Machado's conditions for dialogue include the release of political prisoners, the restoration of democratic institutions, and the establishment of a timetable for presidential elections.